Tag Archives: Eric Clapton

He’s 83 years old and is playing 130 shows this year – how does John Mayall keep going?

He’s been called the Godfather of the Blues, John Mayall is into his 8th decade of life and yet is showing no sign of slowing down. His band has been a proving ground for some of the greatest musicians of all time – guitarists like Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor and Sonny Landreth, plus Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Jack Bruce.

His brand new record is called Talk About That, and it’s a diverse affair, encapsulating the many twists and turns of his career, giving Mayall a chance to play organ, piano, harmonica and guitar. Out of the 11 tracks, eight are recent songs composed by him.

As is with every Mayall record, there’s a surprise, this time he’s joined by guitar great Joe Walsh for a couple of tracks, including the searing “The Devil Must Be Laughing.”

Mayall unbelievably has 130 shows scheduled for this year – he shares what keeps him going. Plus, how not surprisingly, he prefers vinyl over digital music.

Singer/songwriter Stephen Bishop scored several hit songs in the 70’s & 80’s like “Save it For a Rainy Day,” “On & On,” and “It Might Be You.” He wrote songs for many other artists, including “Separate Lives,” a #1 hit for Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin. He’s part of one of the most iconic scenes of the classic Animal House movie, where John Belushi smashes his guitar.

Stephen has a brand new album called Blueprint, which features many songs that were originally cut as demos. He tells us the origins behind many of the songs, plus how he became friends with Eric Clapton, and how got involved in the Animal House movie. And, he tells us a very funny story of touring with Linda Ronstadt.

Blues legend John Mayall continues to record albums and play shows, just like he’s done for the past 50 years. His latest project is an opportunity to look back – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers Live in 1967 features never before heard live performances featuring a version of the band that was only together three months. Featuring Peter Green on guitar, John McVie on bass and Mick Fleetwood on drums – all future members of Fleetwood Mac. These somewhat primitive recordings were recently restored, and show a band brimming with excitement, led by Green’s phenomenal playing. We chat with Mayall about what makes these recordings so special, Fleetwood’s short tenure in his band, and the possibility of a brand new John Mayall album, coming in the fall.

He’s been called the Godfather of British blues – John Mayall – and he’s been at it more than 50 years. His Bluesbreakers band acted as a launching pad for some of the greatest musicians of all time – Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor all spent time honing their chops in his band. Mayall, who has never stopped touring and assembling stellar bands, is back with his first new studio record in five years, A Special Life on Forty Below Records. He’s released somewhere in the ballpark of 60 albums, but this one is still full of vitality. We talk the recording of his new record, how he first got interested in the blues, and what made The Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton so special.

Guitarist Peter Parcek is what you might call a late bloomer. At 60 years old, he’s just released his first national release. Hailing from the New England area, his post-high school years were spent abroad, soaking up the British blues of Eric Clapton and Peter Green, and avoiding the Vietnam combat. Once things calmed down, Parcek returned to the States and took jobs as a school counselor and instrument salesman. A chance meeting with blues legend Pinetop Perkins resulted in Parcek leading Perkins’ band for awhile. After gaining more confidence, Parcek decided to strike out on his own. The Mathematics of Love, only his second solo album, showcases his varied style, something he calls “soul guitar.” He gets help from another legend, Al Kooper, on several of the tracks on the album. Click below for the Peter Parcek interview.